AG Barr

The story of A.G. Barr began in 1875 when Robert Barr established a soft drinks business in Falkirk, Scotland. His vision was to create and sell refreshing beverages to quench the nation's thirst. This entrepreneurial spirit was carried forward by his son, Robert Fulton Barr, who in 1887, set up a separate division of the original company in the more populous city of Glasgow. The Glasgow branch later passed to Andrew Greig Barr in 1892, from whom the company derives its 'A.G.' initials. A pivotal moment in the company's history arrived in 1901 with the official launch of IRN-BRU, a brand that would become iconic and deeply embedded in Scottish culture. The two family operations, Falkirk and Glasgow, eventually merged in 1959, consolidating their strengths and market presence.

The mid-20th century marked further expansion and strategic moves for A.G. Barr. The company went public and was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1965, a significant step that opened new avenues for growth and investment. Diversification of its brand portfolio continued with key acquisitions, including the Tizer brand in 1972. Over the subsequent decades, A.G. Barr consistently demonstrated an ability to adapt and innovate within the dynamic beverage industry. This included acquiring Findlays Mineral Water in 2001 and Strathmore Mineral Water in 2006. The company also ventured into the energy drinks market with the launch of Irn-Bru 32 in 2006 and expanded its offerings through the acquisition of the Rubicon exotic fruit drink company in 2008 and the cocktail mixer business Funkin in 2015. More recently, A.G. Barr has continued its growth trajectory with acquisitions like Boost Drinks in 2022 and the Rio Tropical Limited soft drinks brand in 2023, alongside taking full control of Moma Foods. Today, A.G. Barr stands as a prominent UK-based branded multi-beverage business, employing over 1,000 people and offering a diverse portfolio of beloved drinks, driven by a commitment to quality, innovation, and responsible business practices.